NHS Suffolk and North East Essex - Labour and Birth Booklet

35 What happens straight after birth Skin-to-skin contact After your baby is born, so long as he/she is well, you will be encouraged to have immediate skin-to-skin contact. This type of contact is known to be beneficial to both mother and baby by: • regulating your baby’s breathing, heart rate, temperature and blood glucose levels • soothing and calming your baby • encouraging early breastfeeding and increased milk production • supporting longer term breastfeeding success. Even if your baby needs help with breathing after birth, or to be seen by a neonatal doctor, you will be offered skin-to-skin contact as soon as practically possible. For more information visit: • NHS Choices www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/breastfeeding-first- days/# skin-to-skin-contact • La Leche League GB www.laleche.org.uk/whats-big-deal-skin-skin/ Immediately after birth